Tamperproof closure



June 20, 1-939. J, HA G'ER ET AL 2,162,713

LTAMPERPROOF CLOSURE Filed Feb. 20 1937 6 Z 7 Z x v [III III/IA VIII.

' 1 ENTOR5 I z 1 5 6 W 4 $9 64% ATTORNEY Patented June 20, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TANEPERPBOOF CLOSURE Application February 20, 1937, Serial No. 126,758

8 Claims.

This invention relates to devices such as tamperproof closures.

One object of the invention is to provide a device of the character described having improved .6 means highly compact, reliable and durable in character for preventing removal of a closure without the breaking of an externally visible indicator portion that is axially assembled without substantial change in size or shape.

It has been known to provide a threaded closure having a depending integral frangible'skirt to constitute an indicator. Such a construction presents difliculties in molding because the closure must be pulled from the mold together with 1. the relatively thin walled skirt, thus leading to frequent breakage of the latter. If the skirt were formed with one narrow weakened annular portion, breakage at the latter would still be an ever present possibility.

Furthermore, the relatively thin Walled skirt was also subject to breakage as by accidental impact when assembled on a container.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device of the type mentioned which shall overcome the difliculties referred to, and

which shall preferably include a skirt-like portion or ring separate from the closure. A related object of the invention is to furnish such skirt-like portion so that it can be separately molded, cured and pulled from the mold. Another related object is to furnish such skirt-like portion .so that it may have a relatively thickskirt or wall to resist accidental breakage in the assembled condition. Another related object of the invention is to construct such a skirt-like portion so that it possesses a degree of movability relative to the closure, so as to better take up any accidental impact in the assembled condition and avoid breakage of its weakened part. A further related object of the invention is to provide such a skirt portion with the result that, if accidentally broken as in the mold or in assembling, the closure can still be used and need not be discarded. And finally, such skirt portion, being separate of the closure, may be more readily resiliently deformed for snapping into engagement with the container in the manner herein provided for. Another object of the invention is the provi sion of a device as described having improved locking means at the annular line of engagement of the closure and the skirt-like indicator portion to produce greater compactness and related advantages, as follows: The locking means may be made as an integral part of the closure or indicator; a metallic closure may be used for greater cheapness and strength; a visible indicator portion or fracture may remain on the closure to permanently show that the latter had been opened; and these several advantages may be combined as desired, and certain of the features l3. may be advantageously embodied in an indicator that encloses the closure, and also in an indicator having an integral skirt, as an improved and. stronger locking means therefor.

Other objects and advantages of the invention 19 will become apparent as the specification proceeds.

With the aforesaid objects in view, the invention consists in the novel combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described in their preferred embodiments, pointed out in the subjoined claims, and illustratedin the annexed drawing, "wherein like parts are designated by the same reference characters throughout the several views.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary view in vertical section showing a device embodying the invention, the dotted lines disclosing a modified indicator that may be one piece with the skirt portion and 25 extend upward to enclose the closure.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional .view taken approximately on the line 2 of Figs.

1,3 and8.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing a mod- .30 ified form of the invention.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a View similar to that of Fig. 1 and showing another modification of the invention. .35 Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken approximately on the line 6 of Figs.

5, 9 and 10.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a modified locking means like that of Fig. 6 but 510 being integral with the closure and indicator and adapted for use in certain of the other forms shown. 7

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are fragmentary views in vertical section showing other modifications of the {1 invention.

Figs. 11 and 12 are vertical fragmentary sectional views of details individually adapted: for interchangeable substitution in Figs. 8, 9 and. 10.

The advantages of the invention as here outlined are best realized when all of its features and instrumentalities are combined in one and the same structure, but, useful devices may be produced embodying less than the whole.

It will be obvious to those skilled int-he. art ,55

to which the invention appertains, that the same may be incorporated in several different constructions. The accompanying drawing, therefore, is submitted merely as showing the preferred exemplification of the invention.

Referring in detail to the drawing, 20 denotes a device embodying the invention. The same may include a container?! having a neck 22 to which may be threadedly connected at 23 a metallic closure .24 bearing a sealing liner 25. The closure may have an outwardly formed integral portion or annular flange 25 from which are struck upwardly one or more pawl-like teeth 21.

A skirt like indicator or ring 28 may have a tubular or cylindrical wall 29 threadedly connected at 30 to an annular enlargement 3| at the'base of the neck 22. It will be noted that the thread 30 is different in direction than the thread 23. Extending annually beyond the portion 3| is a bead 32 which the lower edge 33 of the indicator closely approaches in overlying relation. When the indicator in Figs. 1, 3 and rests against head of container then its flange 34 is merely broken by torsional stress upon unscrewing of closure, while if indicator is supported by the closure flange 25 or 49, functioning as a stop, then the breaking of indicator flange is caused by a combined axial as well as torsional stress.

The indicator 28 may have an integral inward extending annular flange 34 that overlies and conceals the flange 26, and is formed with an annular series of teeth 35 on its lower surface for engagement with the prongs 21. An annular line of weakness 36 may facilitate breakage of the flange 34; The latter may also have annular line of knurling 31, if desired.

4 In operation, the closure 24 is tightly connected to the container 2| in the usual manner. Then the indicator 28 is sleeved over the closure and moved downward and connected to the container by the thread 30. The indicator may be tightened by an annular tool that engages the knurling 31. As the indicator is turned the teeth 35 pass over the prongs 21 so as to interlock the indicator and closure against angular movement in such a direction as to prevent release of the closure without breaking the indicator. If the closure is forcibly turned in the unscrewing direction, the indicator is turned by the prongs 2! so as to move downward, resulting in an axial and torsional stress on the flange 34 to cause breakage thereof at the line of weakness 35, to thus release the closure.

It will be noted that the device 20 permits the use of a cheap strong metal stamped closure, having an integral spring lock. The latter serves as an indicator to point out the absence of the device 28. The tubular wall 29 is strong and rugged so as to be proof against accidental breakage. If subjected to an impact, the resilient prongs or teeth 2'! will permit a degree of yield to avoid accidental breakage of the flange 34. Since the spring lock is alongside of the closure, greater compactness is attained. The indicator 28 may be-conveniently molded, cured, and pulled from the mold as a very small compact element. In assembling, it may be applied without strains that may be caused by the closure, and without strains at the line of weakness 36.

Figs. 3 and 4 disclose a modification of the invention which is in general similar to that of Fig. 1, except that means responsive to angular movement for connecting the indicator to the container affords a stop for the angular movement. Thus the indicator 39 is formed with a projection 40 that extends inward so as to enter a groove 4| of an outwardly extending projection 42 of the container. This groove is closed ended at 43, and it may lie in a horizontal plane or be an arc of a spiral. This arrangement prevents the indicator from being accidentally broken in course of being tightened on the container.

In Figs. 5 and 6 is shown a modified form 44 of the invention, in which the container and indicator are like those shown in Fig. l, but the closure 45 being a molded element or the like. In that case, a separate locking element 46 is desirable, and the same may be in the nature of a ring having successive alternately upwardly and downwardly struck prongs 41, 43 arranged in an annular series. This spring is disposed between an annular outward extending flange 49 of the closure and the inward extending annular flange 34 of the indicator. The flange 49 is formed on its upper surface with an annular series of teeth 59 extending in opposed relation to the teeth 35 of the flange 34. The prongs 41 extend in one direction into engagement with the teeth 35 and the prongs 48 extend in the opposite direction into engagement with the teeth 56. 44 may operate like the device 20, and possesses many of the advantages of the former.

In Fig. 7 is shown a modified locking means 51 intended to avoid the need for the spring 45 in the device 44. Here the annular flange 49a is used instead of the flange 49, and instead of the teeth 53, one or a few widely spaced teeth 52 are provided, with which the teeth 35 are adapted to successively engage by reason of the upward yielding or resilience of the flange 34. In other words, the small degree natural resilience of Bakelite or the like is utilized. ,In operation, the device 5! will function as hereinbefore pointed out in connection with the devices 29 and 44.

In Fig. 3 is shown a device 53 embodying the invention, which differs from the preceding devices primarily in that the indicator 54 is integral with the closure 55, a spring locking device 55 being employed having superior strength and rigidity. The container and main portion of the closure is the same as hereinbefore described. The lockingdevice 55 may be in the nature of a metallic tube threadedly secured to the container at 51, by a thread having a direction of screw engagement opposite to that of the closure. Said tube 55 may have an inwardly directed annular flange 53 having upwardly struck prongs 59 for engagement with an annular series of teeth 35 formed on the under surface of the outwardly directed annular flange 5! of the closure 55. As in all cases herein described, the engagement at 59,35 is such that the closure and indicator cannot be unscrewed without breakage of the indi cator as at the annular line of weakness 52 which is disposed inward relative to the teeth 35. It will be noted that the tubular portion 56 affords a strong reenforcement for the prong bearing flange 58, and that the latter need have substantially fewer prongs struck therefrom than the spring 45, so that the flange 58 is per se stronger than the latter.

A device such as 53 having an indicator comprising a laterally outward extending flange Bl which is arranged to break to permit removal of the closure possesses an important advantage in that the fracture is always readily visible. This is assured by the position of the line of weakness The device 62 lateral to the closure. These observations are intended to'apply also -to Figs. 9 and 10.

In Fig. 9 is shown a device that is generally similar to the device 53, except that the locking means 55 is replaced by a means 63 that may consist, for example, of Bakelite. This locking means 63 may have an annular flange 54 having integral teeth 55 for resiliently engaging the prongs d8 of a spring 48 according to an arrangement shown in Fig. 6. v

In Fig. 10 is shown a modification including a device 63 wherein an annular enclosing and concealing flange 5'! is formed integrally with an element 68 of the locking means instead ofbeing an integral part of the indicator portion or flange 6 I. Thus the flange 68a is enclosed by the flange 57 which conceals the spring as and its associated parts.

In each of Figs. 8, 9 and 10 it is noted that the locking means bear snugly down on the container bead 32 which acts as a stop.

In Fig. 11 is shown an annular locking element 68 having radial inward extending locking teeth "it engageable with corresponding radial outward extending teeth I! formed on the container. This arrangement may be substituted for that at 53 to show how an element such as the latter may be axially engaged with the container. I

In Fig. 12 is shown an arrangement like that in Fig. 11, the element l2 being adapted to be used in place of the element t8.

In Figs. 1, 3 and 5, the closure flanges, such. as 26 and 69 may be frangible, and may be breakable together with, or in lieu of the indicator portion 3d; so that said flanges may also act as indicators in normal use.

In Fig. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, the locking rings 56, 63, and 58 may be frangible, and may be breakable together with, or in lieu of the respective indicator portions such as 6! and 88a; so that these locking rings may also act as indicators in normal use.

We claim:

1. A device including a container, a closure threadedly connected to the container, said closure having an outward extending flange confined to the base thereof, an annular frangible indi-' cating member connected to the container and having a flange overlying the closure flange, and means between said flanges to interlock the same against relative angular movement of the closure and indicator member to prevent removal of the closure without breaking the indicator member, said means extending along a plane substantially at right angles to the axis of the container and being operative along said plane, said means including a plane ratchet ring portion, the connections between the container and the closure and indicator member being so coordinated with said means as to permit the indicator member to be connected to the container without any substantial change in size or shape and to prevent removal of the indicator member without breaking the same.

2. A device including a container having an opening, a closure threadedly connected to the container to close said opening, in response to a relative angular movement therebetween in one direction, a frangible indicator of ring form axially applied to the container, means on the latter and the indicator for interconnecting the same in response to a relative angular movement in an opposite direction to prevent removal of the indicator in the assembled position of the device,

the closure having an outward extending portion confined to the base thereof, the indicator having an inward extending generally annular top flange overlying said portion to prevent removal of the closure without breaking the indicator,' and ratchet means lying between and interengaging said flange and said portion in response to relative angular movement between the indicator and closure in one direction and preventing reverse relative angular motion, such that neither the indicator nor closure can be removed without breaking the indicator.

3. A device including a container having an opening, a closure threadedly connected to the container to close said opening, in response to a relative angular movementtherebetween in one direction, a frangible indicator of ring form axially applied to the container,'means'on the latter and the indicator for interconnecting the same in response to a relative angular movement in an opposite direction to prevent removal of the indicator in the assembled position of the device, the closure having an outward extending portion confined to the base thereof, the indicator having an inward extending generally annular flange overlying said portion to prevent removal of the closure without breaking the indicator, and means lying between and interengaging said flange and said portion in response to relative angular movement between the indicator and closure in one direction and preventing reverse relative angular motion, such that neither the indicator nor closure can be removed without breaking the indicator, the last mentioned means comprising cam shaped interengaging teeth integral with said portion and said flange, one of which has a degree of resilience to'permit the interengagement of the teeth.

4. A device including a container having an opening, a closure element for the opening threadedly connected to the container, a second element having threaded connection with the container, the different threaded connections being operative in different directions, one element consisting of metal and having a lateral flange provided with prongs struck therefrom, the other element having a lateral flange with teeth thereon for locking engagement with said prongs upon relative angular motion between the elements tending to tighten the same on the container, said flanges being confined to the base region of the closure element, one of the said flanges having a frangible portion, and one of the flanges overlying the other to prevent removal of the closure element except upon breaking the frangible portion.

. 5. A device including a container, a closure element therefor, a ring element, said elements being coaxially threadedly connected in opposite directions to the container, one element having a frangible portion, said elements having means for interlocking the same in response to a relative angular movement between the elements tending to tighten their connections with the container, and said means preventing relative reverse movement between the elements so that the closure element cannot be removed without breaking the frangible portion, said means including a portion directly adjacent to the base of the closure element and responsive to relative axial movement between the elements and operative in the assembled position of the elements to cover and conceal another portion of the interlocking means to avoid tampering with the latter.

6. A device including a container, a closure element threadedly connected thereto, a ring element coaxial with the first named element and engaged with the container against relative angular movement between the elements in the assembled relation thereof, one of the elements having a frangible portion, means associated with the second element for preventing removal thereof from the container in the assembled relation of the elements with the container, said means including an inward extending generally annular flange on one element, an outward extending generally annular flange on the other element, locking means between the flanges responsive to relative angular movement between the elements to prevent removalof the closure element without breaking the frangible portion, one of said flanges overlying the other flange and coacting with one of the elements to conceal the locking means, the flange of the closure element being located at the base thereof and the flange of the ring element being located at the top thereof, said flanges being circular and lying along plane's approximately at right angles to the axis of the container, said means being relatively flat and being extended along a plane parallel to the planes of the flanges.

'7. A .device including a container having an opening, a closure threadedly connected to the container to close said opening, in response to a relative angular movement therebetween in one direction, a frangible indicator of ring form axially applied to the container, means on the latter and the indicator for interconnecting the same in response to a relative angular movement in an opposite direction to prevent movement of the indicator, the closure having an outward extending portion confined to the base thereof, the indicator having an inward extending generally'annular top flange overlying said portion to prevent removal of the closure without breaking the indicator, said flange having a generally annular line of weakness, and ratchet means lying between and interengaging said flange and said portion in response to relative angular movement between the indicator and closure in one direction to prevent reverse relative angular motion, such that neither the indicator nor closure can be removed without breaking the indicator.

8. A device including a container having an opening, a closure threadedly connected to the container to close said opening, in response to a relative angular movement therebetween in one direction, a frangible indicator of ring form axially applied to the container, means on the latter and the indicator for interconnecting the same in response to a relative angular movement in an opposite direction to prevent movement of the indicator, the closure having an outward extending portion confined to the base thereof, the indicator having an inward extending generally annular top flange overlying said portion to prevent removal of the closure without breaking the indicator, said flange having a generally annular line of weakness, and ratchet means between and interengaging said flange and said portion in response to relative angular movement between the indicator and closure in one direction to prevent reverse relative angular motion, such that neither the indicator nor closure can be removed without breaking the indicator, and said flange having irregularities upon its upper exposed face whereby the indicator can be grasped and angularly turned for engaging the container.

JOHN HAMBERGER. ADOLF SCHAUER. 

